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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Initially an improvised cadence by a soloist; later becoming an elaborate and written out passage in an aria or concerto - featuring the skills of an instrumentalist or vocalist.






2. Singing or chanting in unison without strict rhythm. Collected during the Reign of Pope Gregory VIII for psalms and other other parts of the church service.






3. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






4. A single line of music played or sung. A musical sentence.






5. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1700's to mid 1800's. The music was spare and emotionally reserved - especially when compared to Romantic and Boroque music.






6. A 17th century dance written in Quadruple time - always beginning on the third beat of the measure.






7. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






8. A direction to play lively and fast.






9. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






10. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






11. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






12. Refers to any great composer - conductor - or teacher of music.






13. A scale consisting of only whole-tone notes. Such a scale consists of only 6 notes.






14. Curved line connecting notes to be sung or played as a phrase.






15. Music written for chorus and orchestra. Most often religious in nature.






16. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






17. The flats and sharps at the beginning of each staff line indicating the key of music the piece is to be played.






18. A piece of music written for two vocalists or instrumentalists.






19. In sheet music - a symbol at the beginning of the staff defining the pitch of the notes found in that particular staff.






20. Group of singers in a chorus.






21. A song of praise and glorification. Most often to honor God.






22. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






23. Three note chords consisting of a root - third - and fifth.






24. Male singers who were castrated to preserve their alto and soprano vocal range.






25. Elaborate polyphonic composition of the Boroque and Renaissance periods.






26. Harsh - discordant - and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.






27. A composition whose style is simple and idyllic; suggestive of rural scenes.






28. The technique of altering the tone color of a single note or musical line by changing from one instrument to another in the middle of a note or line.






29. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






30. A group singing in unison.






31. Repetition of a single tone.






32. One of the two modes of the tonal system. Music written in major keys have a positive affirming character.






33. A large group of instrumentalists playing together.






34. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






35. Written for 2 to 10 solo parts featuring one instrument to a part. Each part bears the same importance.






36. A quick - improvisational - spirited piece of music.






37. An instrumental lament with praise for the dead.






38. The keyboard of a stringed instrument.






39. The manner in which tones are produced with regard to pitch.






40. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






41. A period in history during the 18th and early 19th centuries where the focus shifted from the neoclassical style to an emotional - expressive - and imaginative style.






42. A glissando or portamento. Also refers to the moving part of a trombone.






43. Ability to determine the pitch of a note as it relates to the notes that precede and follow it.






44. A symbol in sheet music that returns a note to its original pitch after it has been augmented or diminished.






45. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






46. A melodic or - sometimes a harmonic idea presented in a musical form.






47. A complex piece of music. Usually the first movement of the piece serving as the exposition - a development - or recapitulation.






48. A group of 4 instruments - two violins - a viola - and cello.






49. Harsh - discordant - and lack of harmony. Also a chord that sounds incomplete until it resolves itself on a harmonious chord.






50. Movement or passage that concludes the musical composition.